Arava Review Article |
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 Arava (Generic Name: Leflunomide) is an oral, disease-modifying drug which is used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide reduces joint-inflammation which leads to destruction of joints and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces inflammation through the suppression of the activity of immune cells that are responsible for the inflammation. Leflunomide also represses immune cells by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, an enzyme essential to produce DNA and RNA. Immune cells and most other type of cells cannot multiply, function, or exist without DNA and RNA. Due to its one of a kind mechanism of action, Leflunomide is valuable when added to other medications used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Severe side effects may include liver damage, hepatitis, and jaundice. Continue reading...
| Dosage |
Packing |
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| 10 mg |
30 tab |
USD 219.00 |
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| 20 mg |
30 tab |
USD 229.00 |
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| 100 mg |
3 tab |
USD 106.00 |
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Arava (Generic name- Leflinomide) is used mainly (but not solely) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis as a disease modifying drug which can be taken orally to help bring about reduction in joint inflammation and to sooth the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Arava acts by preventing the body’s own immune system from destroying the cells of the joints that have been mistaken as foreign substances. Arava also acts to inhibit dihydroorotate dehydrogenase leading to immune cell repression. When used in combination with other rheumatoid arthritis drugs, Arava boosts the effectiveness of such drugs.
About the drug
In rheumatoid arthritis is a condition whereby the immune system of the body launches attacks on the otherwise healthy tissues of the joints without recognising them as part of the body. During the immune response chemicals are released by the white blood cells which cause inflammation of the joint leading to great discomfort for the patient. The available knowledge on the mechanism of Arava is not precise however their ability to inhibit the activity and replication of white blood cells is established; these white blood cells are responsible for the immune response in the body. By repressing the immune response against the joints, Arava decreases the amount of the inflammatory chemicals released easing the pains that occur in rheumatoid arthritis.
How to take
The easing of pain does not usually occur until between four and six weeks from the day of commencing treatment with Arava. Therefore do not seize taking medication should you notice no improvement during this period as this is not an indication that the medicine is not working. Furthermore after the benefits start to manifest and you can feel improvements, you should continue taking the drug to maintain the treatment. While taking Arava avoid overdose and do not take without a doctor’s recommendation.
Possible Side effects
Side effect could be rather unpredictable and varies for different individuals, should you notice any, seek your doctor’s advice. Common side effects include back pain weight loss, urinary tract infection, sore throat itching, joint disorders, indigestion, loss of appetite, headache, high blood pressure, coughing, bronchitis, abdominal pain, severe rash, back pain, dizziness, reduced blood cell count, hair loss, mouth ulcers and stomach inflammation. While rarer side ones include anaemia, dermatitis, diabetes, frequent urination, gallstones, gas hyperthyroidism, hernia, gingivitis, hair discoloration and general feeling of illness. Inform your doctor if you notice any of these or other symptoms.
Special warnings
Arava is likely to cause damage to the liver; as well as initial liver tests regular (monthly) tests will be carried out by your doctor as treatment commences. Those with liver disease should not take arava and should liver disease develop during the therapy, the doctor will either recommend a decreased dose or termination of the treatment depending on the individual case. Because arava represses the body’s immune response, people with diseases requiring optimum immune response such as AIDS, cancer and severe infections should not take arava. Men planning to become fathers should inform the doctor who would advice stopping treatment with arava and allow enough time for the drug to leave the system.
Drug Interactions
Taking arava in combination with other drugs could increase, decrease or alter the effect of either drug therefore be sure to seek medical advice before taking any other drug while on arava. Drug which could interfere with arava include Cholestyramine, methotrexate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Rafampin and Tolbutamide.
Pregnant and Nursing Mothers
Women and Men planning to biologically parent a child should both not take arava as this could cause birth defects. Despite the insufficient data to show whether or not arava appears in breast milk, breast feeding mothers should not take arava.
Storage
Arava should be kept at room temperature away from intense light.
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